Persuasion and coercion for health: ethical issues in government efforts to change life-styles.

What should be government's role in promoting the kinds of personal behavior that lead to long life and good health! Mild measures of education and exhortation may be ineffective; imposition of stronger coercive actions may be unacceptable. Philosophical and social principles involved are complex, and threats to freedom can be averted through an understanding of moral justification for any intrusion.